Māori Marsden

Māori Marsden (10 August 1924 – 18 June 1993) was an author, an ordained Anglican minister and expert (tohunga) on Māori philosophy.

Biography Marsden was born in Awanui, in the far north of New Zealand 10 August 1924. His parents were Hoani Matenga-Paerata and Hana (nee-Toi) Matenga-Paerata. Māori Marsden is affiliated with the Te Aupouri iwi, He was the first Māori chaplain of the Navy. Researcher Robyn Tauroa says whilst Marsden was at the Navy he 'provided karakia and also guided unuhia ceremonies to prepare Māori for battle'.

Marsden's essay God, Man and Universe, published in Te Ao Hurihuri (1975) has been described as a 'seminal work'. As a writer Marsden wrote about 'matters facing the contemporary Māori quest for social justice and the achievement of authentic being.' Marsden also composed waiata, and was a guest speakers at many events.

Publications Te Ao Hurihuri (1975) Māori Illness and Healing (1986) Resource Management Law Reform (1989) Kaitiakitanga: A Definitive Introduction to the Holistic World View of the Māori (1992) co-authored with T. A. Henare The Woven Universe: Selected Writings of Rev. Maori Marsden (2003) edited by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, produced by the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga

Death On 18 June 1993 Marsden died at his residence (the old hospital) in Te Kōpuru.